Numbers were lower than expected at the first Emmaville Gemorama, a three-day festival of fossicking (prospecting) in the old mining town on the Queen's Birthday long weekend, but organiser Bob Rodgers is undaunted.
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Bob expected more than 100 people a day, based on Facebook support, but only around a dozen people came on each day.
Although disappointed by the turn-out, Bob hopes the event will be an annual fixture, similar to Glen Innes’s Minerama, NSW’s largest annual gem show.
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“Fossicking allows people of all ages to enjoy being outside in the country and make new friends of all generations,” Bob said. “Older fossickers will always pass on their vast knowledge and experience to new fossickers.”
The visitors went on fossicking field trips to the Webbs Consol Silver Mine; Three Waters up at Bullock Mountain; and a mystery tour to the Gadens copper mine.
“The fossickers who attended this year were very happy with the field trips, and their finds of gemstones and mineral specimens,” Bob said.
The event raised money for the local SES, the Guyra Food Hub, and two organisations, Frontline Forces and Wounded Heroes, that help homeless veterans find food and shelter.
Wounded Heroes will be Mr Rodger’s main charity next year.
Bob is looking for sponsors for the event.
“Having to plan and fund the entire festival isn't easy,” he said.
"I did get funding from Destination NSW, though that money didn't cover all my expenses. Having sponsors would allow me to cover all expenses and give even more money to the charities I will support next year. I therefore ask all sponsors wishing to help to contact me for details.”
Bob is also looking for sites for fossicking field trips.
“Finding new places, over the years,” he said, “has proven difficult mainly due to landholders being worried about insurance problems. I can assure all landholders that the insurance cover I pay for covers fossickers as well as landholders against any liability.
“I encourage any landholders that would allow a Field Trip on their property to contact me.
“I also have a number of guides to answer any questions or assist new fossickers identify finds.”
For more information, phone Bob Rodger on 0436 343 935.